As Strictly Come Dancing gears up for a new series, we take a look back at some of the exits in the competition’s history, from the judges to the professional dancers being dropped

Every year, Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the announcement of the judges and professional dancers for the new season.

Since its inception in 2004, the show has seen some dramatic changes, from favourite judges being ousted to dancers making a fiery exit. One notorious dismissal even ignited an ageism controversy, leading to public outrage.

This week, another star was left in the dark when it was revealed that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was not a part of this year’s line up.

Giovanni, who joined the show in 2015 was caught in a media frenzy when his partner Amanda Abbington left the show prematurely with allegations of Giovanni’s training techniques to blame.

But other well-known stars have found themselves in the firing line. Daily Star has taken a look.

Arlene Phillips

Arlene became the first judge to b dropped (Image: BBC)
In 2009, news broke that Arlene had been axed as a judge and would be replaced by Alesha Dixon. This decision sparked outrage as the BBC was accused of discriminating against older women, an allegation the broadcaster refuted.

The 81-year-old choreographer and talent scout was part of the original judging panel when the popular dance show first kicked off in 2004, alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman.

While appearing on Elizabeth Day’s How To Fail podcast this year, Arlene said: “I didn’t leave.

“I was uninvited to return. And I think there’s a big difference. If I had left the show, it would have been my choice.”

“I actually feel even to this day, I wish it had been discussed. I wish that they had come to me and said, ‘We’re not going to keep you on’, and what the reasons were, and then I could adjust myself to it.”

Brendan Cole

Brendan Cole was dropped from Strictly in 2018 (Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
During his 14-year stint, Brendan often challenged the judges and even publicly criticised the show over dancers’ wages.

According to insiders, Brendan was believed to be involved in a backstage feud with head judge Shirley Ballas, after she landed the head judge role he’d been tipped for.

But in January 2018, he made an emotional appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, revealing he’d been let go. He said at the time: “I’m a little bit in shock. I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it,” he confessed to the show.

“I’ve always known this day would come… I’m sure I’ll never know the ins and outs. I’m a very strong character within the show, I have my strong views.”

Giovanni Pernice

Giovanni Pernice became the latest star not returning to the show (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Strictly Come Dancing’s fan favourite Giovanni Pernice will not be gracing the dance floor in the upcoming series later this year.

The BBC did not include the star in its 2024 line-up of professional dancers, following rumours that he would not be participating.

The 33-year-old Italian pro, who joined the BBC One celebrity dance competition in 2015 and clinched the trophy in 2021 with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, found himself in the spotlight recently after denying allegations about his teaching methods on the show.

Pernice expressed surprise at the claims about his dance instruction techniques, vehemently denying “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”.

Gio posted a statement on Instagram: “Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

“I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.”

James Jordan

James Jordan was pushed to the back (Image: PA)
Back in 2014, Strictly star James Jordan was given the boot after eight years, with his wife Ola tipped to also exit despite being offered a lucrative deal.

James was informed that he was no longer part of Strictly’s plans and was relegated to a less prominent role as a backing dancer.

A source close to the couple revealed at the time: “The BBC have decided they don’t want James as a high-profile dancer this year.

They have taken a look at who they have and who fits the bill best. Frankly, the BBC are sick of the James and Ola show.

“He is fuming. He very much sees himself and Ola as the stars of the show and can’t understand why he hasn’t been invited back.

He has spent years working with them and feels he has given so much. This has come as a real shock to him.”

Chloe Hewitt

Chloe Hewitt was dropped for not making an impact (Image: Getty Images)
Chloe Hewitt was dropped from Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the 2018 series. Rumours were swirling after The Sun disclosed that one of the pros was about to be axed, with reigning champion Katya Jones, Diane Buswell, Amy Dowden and Chloe all potentially in the firing line.

Chloe initially joined the show alongside AJ Pritchard. However, according to producers, she didn’t make as significant an impact as AJ did.

An insider revealed: “While AJ has done well on the show, Chloe has been overlooked two years in a row when it came to celeb pairings.

So while others perform every week, she has only danced with other pro dancers in the group numbers, and hasn’t really made her mark.”

“The bosses weren’t that impressed and so they have not given her a new contract. By now she would expect to have one if she was returning.”